Chapter 4: Eddie – Opening Night at The Manor
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
On opening night, nineteen-year-old Eddie works as a dishwasher at The Manor, a luxury seaside hotel. He hopes to prove himself to manager Michelle so he can help serve drinks at the feast. Near midnight, a guest named Bella appears at the indoor bar. Eddie, who is not supposed to make drinks, agrees to mix two dirty gin martinis. Bella asks him to deliver them to her room, Woodland Hutch 11, the one nearest the woods. In her room, Bella invites Eddie to stay and drink with her. She seems anxious and admits she is not sure why she came. They talk, and after a moment, Bella kisses Eddie. She then suddenly breaks away, claiming she needs the bathroom. While waiting, Eddie accidentally knocks over a folder containing news articles about The Manor’s owner, Francesca Meadows. One article is defaced with the word “CUNT” written in biro. Eddie quickly leaves before Bella returns, unsettled by what he has seen.
Key Events
- Eddie unloads glasses during his shift, listening to music on headphones. His friend Ruby, a receptionist, briefly visits.
- A guest in a pink suit dismisses the bar’s whisky selection; Ruby comments on the atmosphere of entitled guests.
- Bella, a blonde older guest with a husky voice, orders two martinis. Eddie makes them despite not being authorised.
- Bella asks Eddie to bring the drinks to her room, the furthest Woodland Hutch pressed against the woods.
- In the room, Eddie notes the luxury décor and the signature scent. Bella drinks quickly and seems restless.
- They hear loud sex noises from a nearby cabin; Bella and Eddie laugh awkwardly.
- Bella becomes serious, saying she does not know why she came to The Manor. She stares intensely at Eddie.
- Bella kisses Eddie; he reciprocates but feels the power dynamic is off.
- She suddenly stops, says she needs the bathroom, and staggers away.
- While alone, Eddie accidently knocks over a folder. It contains cut-out articles about Francesca Meadows; one photo is defaced with “CUNT”.
- Eddie leaves the room just as Bella returns from the bathroom.
Character Development
Eddie – The chapter deepens Eddie’s character: he is ambitious but insecure about his farm-boy background, eager to escape a life he does not want (rugby, university, the family farm). He is polite to a fault, unable to say no to guests even when it means breaking rules. His internal monologue reveals his naivety about sex and power, and his reflection on consent (“If she’s drunk and I’m not … that’s pretty bad”) shows an emerging moral awareness. His discovery of the defaced article hints that he may stumble into larger secrets.
Bella – Introduced as a sophisticated but jumpy guest. She is lonely and possibly afraid, booking the last available room on impulse. Her kissing Eddie and then pulling away, combined with her stash of articles about Francesca Meadows, suggests she has a personal connection—or obsession—with the hotel’s owner. Her actions are erratic, and she seems to be drinking heavily.
Ruby – A minor character but establishes a supportive friendship with Eddie. She is observant and unimpressed by the wealthy guests, offering a class-conscious perspective.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- Class and privilege – The Manor is a playground for the rich, and Eddie feels out of place. Guests complain about trivialities; staff like Ruby and Eddie are hyperaware of the gap. The “rich white douche” comment, the exclusive whisky, and the cost of staff trainers all underscore this divide.
- Power dynamics and consent – Eddie’s unease during the kiss highlights the imbalance between a wealthy guest and a low-paid employee. He worries about being fired if he offends her, and later reflects on her intoxication. The chapter raises questions about boundaries and agency.
- Mystery and hidden truths – The defaced photo of Francesca Meadows is the first overtly hostile act in the novel. It suggests someone has a grudge against the owner. Bella’s anxiety and collection of articles imply she is not an ordinary guest.
- Appearance vs. reality – The luxury of The Manor masks tension and possibly danger. Eddie notices that expensive details cannot hide the uneasy atmosphere, especially in the isolated Woodland Hatch.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 4 introduces Eddie as a central point-of-view character and sets up several threads: Eddie’s desire to become a bartender and escape his past, his unsettling encounter with Bella, and the mysterious defaced article. Bella’s presence at the hotel and her fixation on Francesca Meadows foreshadows conflict. The chapter also establishes the staff’s perspective, adding texture to the novel’s exploration of class. Eddie’s moral dilemma about the kiss creates sympathy and tension, while the closing discovery hints at a larger conspiracy surrounding The Manor.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Eddie agree to make the martinis and later to go to Bella’s room, even though he knows it might get him fired?
Answer: Eddie is too polite to refuse a guest; he also sees a chance to prove himself as a bartender and potentially earn a tip. His desire to escape his current role and his fear of confrontation outweigh the risk.
2. What does the defaced photograph suggest about Bella’s relationship with Francesca Meadows?
Answer: The word “CUNT” written on Francesca’s photo indicates strong hostility. Combined with Bella’s collection of articles about Francesca, it suggests Bella has a personal grudge or obsession, possibly connected to a past event.
3. How does the chapter use sound (music, sex noises, silence) to shape the atmosphere?
Answer: Eddie’s headphones isolate him at first; then the sex noises from a nearby cabin create awkwardness, which Bella and Eddie laugh off. The silence that follows their laughter makes the room feel tense and intimate. The scraping branches add an eerie, trapped feeling, reinforcing Bella’s fear of being alone.